Stimulus package 'helping cut jobless rate'

The federal Member for Throsby, Jennie George, says the Government stimulus package appears to be working in reducing Illawarra's high unemployment rate.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show the unemployment rate for the region, including Wollongong, Shellharbour and the Kiama council areas, dropped 1.4 per cent to 8.2 per cent.

Ms George says even though the unemployment rate is still too high and is above the state average, it shows the stimulus package is working, particularly in the construction and retail sectors.

"We know that work is going on constructing social housing units in refurbishing schools and public housing and we've got the major primary schools projects to come on stream in the next few weeks," she said.

"So it is heartening to see the trend is starting to show more positive outcomes."

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